The magic of this dish lies in the balance of hearty shredded chicken, bright and herby pesto, and the tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash. The entire meal is built inside the squash itself, making it not only flavorful but beautifully presented too. Perfect for low-carb or gluten-free diets, this meal delivers comforting warmth without heaviness. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together with simple ingredients and bold, fresh flavors. The best part? It looks gourmet but is effortlessly easy to make.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 medium spaghetti squash
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
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1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle each half with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
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Place squash cut side down on the baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily scraped into strands.
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While the squash roasts, mix shredded chicken with pesto in a bowl until well coated. Set aside.
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Once squash is roasted, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands, leaving them inside the squash shell for serving.
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Divide the pesto chicken evenly between each squash half. Top with cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
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Return to oven for 5–7 minutes, just until everything is heated through and cheese is slightly melted.
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Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bowls: A Wholesome Low-Carb Comfort Meal
Spaghetti squash is having a moment and for good reason. It’s a nutrient-rich, versatile vegetable that serves as an excellent substitute for traditional pasta, especially in low-carb and gluten-free cooking. Pair it with the rich, herbaceous flavors of basil pesto and tender, juicy shredded chicken, and you have a satisfying meal that checks all the boxes: nourishing, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bowls are more than just a trendy dish; they’re a celebration of balance between indulgence and wellness, convenience and elegance, simplicity and sophistication. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this dish, from its health benefits to serving ideas and recipe variations.
Why Choose Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash known for its unique stringy flesh, which, once cooked, separates into spaghetti-like strands. It’s low in calories and carbohydrates but high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone following a ketogenic, paleo, or gluten-free diet.
Not only is spaghetti squash nutritionally superior to regular pasta in many ways, but it also offers a pleasant mild flavor that complements bolder sauces and ingredients like pesto and chicken beautifully.
Some quick benefits of spaghetti squash include:
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Low in calories: Ideal for calorie-conscious meals
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Gluten-free and grain-free: Suitable for people with dietary sensitivities
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Rich in fiber: Promotes satiety and digestive health
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High in vitamins A and C: Supports immunity and skin health
The Magic of Basil Pesto
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made primarily from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s vibrant, aromatic, and deeply flavorful a little goes a long way.
In this dish, pesto acts as both a seasoning and a sauce, binding the shredded chicken together while infusing the entire bowl with a fresh, herby brightness. The oil in the pesto helps moisten the chicken and spaghetti squash, while the cheese adds richness and umami depth.
Pro tip: You can make your own pesto from scratch, or use high-quality store-bought versions. For variations, try arugula pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or even kale-walnut pesto.
Chicken: The Protein Hero
Shredded chicken is the protein centerpiece of this dish. It’s mild, lean, and incredibly versatile. When combined with pesto, it absorbs all those rich flavors and becomes a juicy, savory topping that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the squash.
You can use freshly cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even meal-prepped shredded chicken stored in the fridge. This makes the dish ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, as it comes together quickly when your protein is already prepared.
A Nutrient-Dense, Balanced Meal
One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is how nutritionally balanced it is without compromising on taste. Here’s why:
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Lean Protein: Chicken adds a healthy dose of protein to help keep you full and support muscle repair.
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Healthy Fats: Pesto provides heart-healthy fats from olive oil and nuts.
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Complex Carbohydrates: Spaghetti squash offers slow-digesting carbs that don’t spike your blood sugar.
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Fiber: Helps with digestion and long-lasting satiety.
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Antioxidants: From the tomatoes, squash, and basil, all of which support immune health.
For those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, this dish checks all the boxes. It also supports whole-food, anti-inflammatory eating patterns and is naturally gluten-free and grain-free.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
These Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bowls are a complete meal on their own, but they can also be paired with other dishes for a more elaborate spread. Here are a few suggestions:
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Side Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, arugula, or baby spinach adds freshness.
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Roasted Veggies: Think asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli for extra fiber and texture.
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Garlic Bread or Keto Bread: For those not strictly avoiding grains or carbs, this can be a hearty complement.
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White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Chardonnay complements the basil and garlic notes in the pesto.
You can also serve it straight from the squash shells for a rustic, Instagram-worthy presentation or plate it more elegantly for a dinner party.
Recipe Variations to Explore
The base recipe is fantastic, but this dish is also extremely versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it:
Vegetarian Version
Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or white beans. You’ll still get the protein and texture, but with a plant-based twist.
Dairy-Free Option
Use a dairy-free pesto and omit the Parmesan topping. You can add nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without the lactose.
Spicy Kick
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of chili oil to the pesto-chicken mixture for heat.
Add More Veggies
Throw in spinach, zucchini ribbons, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish with more micronutrients and color.
Make It Creamy
Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cream cheese to the pesto-chicken mix before stuffing the squash for a richer texture.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This recipe is perfect for batch cooking and storing. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
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Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: You can freeze the cooked spaghetti squash and chicken pesto mix separately. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.
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Meal Prep: Assemble in meal prep containers, keeping the toppings and squash separated if desired, and combine before reheating.
Since it reheats well and holds its flavor, it’s ideal for lunches, dinners, and even post-gym meals.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There’s a reason why Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bowls continue to be a favorite among food bloggers, meal preppers, and families alike. This dish takes a few wholesome ingredients and transforms them into something elevated and incredibly satisfying.
It’s comforting without being heavy, rich without being greasy, and flavorful without being complicated. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, scaled for larger portions, or adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences.
Whether you’re trying to eat cleaner, follow a low-carb lifestyle, or simply want a delicious way to enjoy seasonal vegetables, this meal delivers.
Conclusion:
Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bowls offer a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can yield a dish that’s not only healthy but crave-worthy. From its bright basil pesto to the juicy chicken and naturally stringy squash, every bite brings together color, texture, and flavor in harmony.
Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a cozy dinner with friends, this dish is a must-have in your kitchen repertoire. It’s a bowl full of comfort that doesn’t weigh you down something we all can appreciate.
If you haven’t tried spaghetti squash before, this recipe is the perfect introduction. And if you’re already a fan? Well, this might just become your new favorite way to serve it.